Abstract

EuroMoon 2000 is a lunar initiative by ESA to mark the
progression of Europe's space activities into the New Millennium.
It is a first step in a novel programme that could eventually
lead to the construction of an international manned outpost on
the Moon. This first step will place a Lander at the most
promising site for such an outpost, namely a continuously sunlit
site on the rim of the lunar South Pole crater. From here, the
Moon's largest crater, the Aitken Basin, can be explored, and any
frozen volatiles present (water?) investigated by robotic devices
supported by the Lander as their operational base.

The Lander will also place three or four participants in a
'Millennium Challenge' on the crater's rim, with a race to the
Moon's South Pole, which lies 3000 m deep and in permanent
darkness within the confines of the crater, as a primary goal.
The winner will be entitled to 'name' the as yet unexplored and
unnamed lunar South Pole and the future human outpost.

EuroMoon 2000 offers a unique opportunity for a new and
innovative approach to such space endeavours by Europe, including
a true partnership with industry, sharing in both the initial
outlay and any potential financial returns, and inviting
additional sponsorship from the European Union, the commercial
sphere and the general public. The expected benefits include
stimulation of both European unification and the interest of
Europe's next generation of scientists and technologists in
working together in space, and elsewhere, for a common goal.

The EuroMoon proposal has been formulated by drawing upon the
earlier preparatory work conducted on the scientific lunar
orbiter MORO and the technology demonstrator lander LEDA. A
highly pragmatic approach is foreseen, with the probability of
success being greatly enhanced through a staggered-risk scenario,
with distinct check points for go/no-go decisions at critical
points during the development programme and strong human-
interaction capabilities from the ground during the mission
itself.

EuroMoon 2000 is a highly visible mission designed to attract
the interest of school children, more mature students and the
public at large. The estimated cost of the mission is just one
Euro (ECU) per European, but it nevertheless gives Europe a major
chance of being a significant partner in the establishment of the
first extraterrestrial human outpost, on the Moon.